clear coat damage while power washing?

[DFrank]

Washed my truck this morning for the first time in a while. I got a little close (4 inches or so) and started to see clear coat come off on the passenger door. I also see it missing way down at the bottom of the door. Is this common? Is it going to happen across the rest of the truck soon?



Is there a reasonable fix? My '03 has its share of nicks and dings which don't bother me too much, but I'd hate to see the whole thing start looking like *****.



What's a guy to do?

 

[jelag]

I've power washed my truck several times at the car wash with no problems...

However we have a 3000 psi washer we use at the shop that I'm sure would do damage if it was that close... with a fine pointed spray it will gouge wood... and I'd bet it might damage the clear coat.....

I'm guessing that I'd take a trip to the body shop and see what they think, and the cost to repair it..... I'm thinking they'd lightly sand with 800 or 1200 grit paper and clear coat it and rub it out... .

 

[DPKetchum]

Did you buy truck new? Has it been repainted in those areas?

 

[DFrank]

I did buy it new. no previous paint problems, aside from the (not so)occasional chips.

I wasn't even thinking about taking it in to the dealer. Any reason I should? I do still have 7/ 100 warrantee on te driveline at least. I cant imagine them helping with this.

 

[BHolm]

I kind of doubt it has much to do with pressure washing the truck. I have used a 4000 psi hot water/steam pressure washer at close range on my Mega to remove tree sap. Works like a charm, leaves the paint seemingly untouched.



I would guess you just have UV damage to the clear coat and it has decided to cut loose, the washer just helped it along. I seriously doubt DC will do anything about it. I think the best advice is to take it to a body shop and see what they suggest. I haven't had any problems with paint on any of mine and none of them ever spent a night in a garage either. Good Luck

 

[CBradford]

I don't know how much truth there is to it... ... but when i was buying my truck in early '03 i was very interested in a truck that was sold before i was able to purchase it... ... the salesman later told me that it just so happened there were some trucks with bad paint and the guy that purchased that particular truck went to the car wash and stripped some paint off with the pressure washer... ... . i was glad to have not gotten that one... ... it was the dark graphite color... ..... might want to check into this with chrysler... ... . not sure there's anything you can do through them considering the age of the truck tho.....

 

[donnier]

Just for the sake of argument, try the dealer and see what they say.

Couldnt hurt.

 

[scootergmc]

Washed my truck this morning for the first time in a while. I got a little close (4 inches or so) and started to see clear coat come off on the passenger door. I also see it missing way down at the bottom of the door. Is this common? Is it going to happen across the rest of the truck soon?



Is there a reasonable fix? My '03 has its share of nicks and dings which don't bother me too much, but I'd hate to see the whole thing start looking like *****.



What's a guy to do?

Out of curiosity, what kind of "power washer" did you use?

 

[JFlagg]

Doesn't have to do with clearcoat, but I've found by experience to stay away from anything rubber with a pressure washer! Like the seal around the windshield and side windows, works great to debadge a tailgate though!

 

[DPKetchum]

There was some paint issues early on. Think I'd call D. C. and ask for a Rep to see it.

 

[rbattelle]

There was some paint issues early on. Think I'd call D. C. and ask for a Rep to see it.

Yes, many of us (including me) got letters from PPG providing a 10-year 100k mile paint warranty. I believe, however, that the problems were confined to patriot blue trucks. Adhesion problems.



Ryan

 

[DPKetchum]

Thought more colors then that involved. Eaither way if its not a repaint/repair it shouldn't have done it. I'd ask for assistance.

 

[y-knot]

Sorry to hear about your situation, the only real fix would be to sand the area down and re-apply a clear coat.



Not trying to be a smart azz, but what is wrong with the old bucket of water and a sponge??? We have 4 vehicles and keep them all looking great by hand washing, it only takes a few minuets.